Learn about all aspects of the packaging industry from raw material conversion, understanding barrier properties and the importance of marketing and presentation

About the apprenticeship

Course length: 4 years, part-time

Course level: Level 6

Start date: January 

University award: BSc (Hons) Packaging Professional

How much it costs: funded through the employer

Course summary

• Gain understanding of the supply chain and how your work relates to the whole packaging industry.
• Develop arguments with new theories and ideas ready to tackle the issues facing the packaging industry.

The course will provide a thoughtful understanding of where the packaging industry and its major segments stand today.

The course highlights emerging trends reshaping the industry, providing an informed workforce that can prepare and respond to changes in sustainability and substitution to alternative materials.

You will gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of the packaging industry, including raw material conversion, barrier properties, marketing and presentation. You will learn relevant, cutting-edge skills that businesses in the packaging and retail sectors need to move forward.

This course meets the packaging professional apprenticeship standard.

How you learn

This interdisciplinary course integrates design, engineering, management and business principles. The course encompasses industrial engineering, marketing, materials, science, problem solving, protection, presentation, manufacture/ production, transport and distribution logistics.

You will learn through: 

• block study periods of typically 3 days
• work-based projects
• presentations
• online study
• case studies
• mentoring sessions
• personal development and action planning

You will progress through the course following successful achievement of assessments, which address the learning outcomes for each module and allow you to complete the course.  

You will also complete an end-point assessment towards the end of the apprenticeship.

Campus facilities

You'll study at our City Campus, with access to cutting edge facilities. You'll benefit from the world-class expertise of our teaching staff, who bring a multi-disciplinary approach to business education.

Entry requirements

Throughout the course, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours at university. They can be existing employees looking to develop their careers, or new applicants to the business.

Applicants must:

• be over 18
• not be in full time education
• have the right to abode in the UK
• meet the course entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent)

Maths and English at level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C)

If you don't have this yet, you'll need to achieve this level before you take your end-point assessment.

UCAS points and college grades

• 96 UCAS points from 3 A levels or equivalent BTEC
• Or 112 UCAS points with at least 64 from 2 A levels or equivalent BTEC

We accept general studies.

Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered.

Modules

The programme adopts a blended learning approach with modules delivered through a combination of lectures, class-based seminars, practical work and site visits.

Year one 

• Introduction to the packaging industry
• Personal professional development 1
• Role of packaging
• The principles of packaging technology

Year two 

• Unpacking the sustainable supply chain
• Personal professional development 2
• New product development
• Packaging technology applied

Year three 

• Packaging the future
• Personal professional development 3
• Packaging professional end- point assessment plan

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change.